Scooters

Electric Scooter Sharing Pilot Program in Asbury Park

The City of Asbury Park has selected Zagster and their partner SPIN to deploy an electric scooter share program for a pilot period across the entire City starting August 2, 2019 and ending June 2020. The program includes up to 250 scooters stationed at 30 locations around Asbury Park.

Scooters are becoming increasingly popular around the country, and Asbury Park will become the second municipality in New Jersey to embrace the benefits associated with them. Residents and visitors will be able to enjoy riding and experiencing the scooters while also providing feedback on the pros and cons of this new technology. 60% of trips in the US are 5 miles or less. If successful, scooters can allow residents to efficiently travel around the city, improve traffic congestion and parking availability, reduce air pollution, and provide Asbury Park with economic benefits.

In selecting the Zagster and SPIN team to help launch Asbury Park’s first e-mobility project, the City is sure to receive quality products and commitment from the experienced e-scooter provider. These scooters will be equipped with front and rear safety lights, a bell and a speed limiter of up to 15mph. They will be available for rent Monday to Sunday from 7am to 9pm for riders 18 years and older.‍

Electric Scooter Rules and Regulations

The rules and regulations for electric scooters are defined in ordinance 2019-27, adopted by the Asbury Park City Council on July 10, 2019.

Where to ride: Scooter users are required to ride in the street and are permitted to ride in the City’s bike lanes and on multi-use paths. Sidewalk riding is prohibited. All e-scooter users must yield to pedestrians and other slower-moving street users.

Where to park: Scooters must park at either bike racks or on the sidewalk in the furnishing zone (the area of the sidewalk closest to the curb that provides space for items such as bus shelters, benches, street trees, and utilities). The City, in partnership with its electric scooter operator, Zagster/SPIN, is implementing designated scooter parking areas on the sidewalk or in the street in no parking areas at inbound legs of intersections. Never park a scooter where it obstructs pedestrian access on sidewalks or at crosswalks.Any scooters parked in this area pose a safety hazard and limit mobility for pedestrians and people with disabilities and will be removed. Never park in the street or where you can block building entrances or sidewalks.

Riding on the sidewalk: Scooter users are prohibitedfrom riding on the sidewalk. Fines may be assessed.

Speed limits: All e-scooters must obey a speed limit of 19 MPH, per State law. The City's scooter share program will be capped at 15 MPH.

Age restrictions: All scooter riders must be 18 years or older.

One rider per scooter: Only one person can ride a scooter at a time.

Rental restrictions: The terms of agreements with scooter share company (SPIN) require that all rentals must be made by the rider of the scooter.

Helmets: The use of helmets is strongly encouraged.

Renting a SPIN Scooter

At launch, SPIN electric scooters will be available to rent at 30 locations in Asbury Park. Each scooter is equipped with GPS and is unlocked using a smartphone-based app available in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. SPIN scooters are dockless, however, they will be required to be returned to virtual parking stations as designated in the app and by markings on the sidewalk or street.

Cost: SPIN charges $1 to unlock its scooters and then $0.15/minute during an active rental.

How to Rent a Spin Scooter:

1. Download the SPIN - Ride Your Way app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store

2. Register by entering your Facebook information or using your email. After creating a password, your account will be set-up pending payment information. You will also need to scan your driver's license to verify that you are over the age of 18.

3. Open the app to find the nearest available scooter.

4. Scan the QR code to unlock the scooter.

5. Give yourself a kickstart and then use the throttle to accelerate.

6. Park the scooter neatly at your destination in a scooter parking area.

7. Use the app to end your trip. ‍

‍Always ride with safety and courtesy for other street users in mind.This means never riding on the sidewalk or parking your scooter in a place that could obstruct sidewalk space for pedestrians or people with disabilities or pushing strollers. Remember to always obey all traffic signs and regulations!

Rider Tips

Start and end your ride in Asbury Park. You will not be able to start a trip and may incur fines and penalties if you leave a scooter outside the City limits or a designated scooter parking station. Refer to the Spin - Ride Your Way app for the most current service area.

Protect your head and always wear a helmet.

Maintain your balance by putting one foot in front of the other while standing on the scooter. If you have a dominant foot, put that foot in front.

To start the scooter, kick-off to get up to at least 2 MPH -3 MPH then push the throttle forward.

Always use the kickstand when parking the scooter.

Be sure to make eye contact with other street users before you turn.

Always stop for pedestrians in the crosswalk.

Only go as fast as you feel comfortable and keep both hands on the handlebars at all times.

For Questions, Complaints or Issues

To report issues directly related to the electric scooter sharing pilot program operating in Asbury Park, we recommend that you follow the in-app instructions or contact them using the information listed below:

You can also use Twitter to report issues by tagging @ridespin in your tweet.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How long will the e-scooter pilot last?

The pilot program will run from August 2019 to June 2020.

2. What will happen after the e-scooter pilot?

The City of Asbury Park will conduct a survey of riders and review usage data to develop a report and make recommendations for future e-scooter share programs.

3. Are e-scooters safe?

Yes! Recent studies conducted in Portland, OR and Austin, TX concluded that e-scooters are the cause of no more injuries than bicycles and that a significant share of e-scooter related injuries could have been prevented by wearing a helmet. E-scooters weigh about as much as bike share bicycles and travel at similar speeds as human-powered bicycles.

4. Can I ride on the sidewalk?

No, e-scooters must be ridden in the street only.

‍5. Should I wear a helmet?

While New Jersey State law does not require a helmet for riders over the age of 18, it is definitely recommended that riders do wear one.

6. How much does an e-scooter cost to rent?

SPIN scooters cost $1 to unlock plus $0.15 per minute to ride. Refer to the SPIN app for the current pricing.

7. Are there e-scooter speed limits in Asbury Park?

Yes, the rental e-scooters are prohibited from operating faster than 15 MPH in Asbury Park.

8. Are e-scooter rentals available 24/7?

No, currently e-scooters are only available for rental between 7am and 9pm in Asbury Park.

9. Is there an age limit to ride an e-scooter?

Anyone 18 or older can ride an e-scooter in Asbury Park.

10. Where can I park an e-scooter?

Rental e-scooters must be parked in a designated parking area as designated on the SPIN app. Private e-scooters can be parked at any bike rack, in designated parking areas if available, or in the furnishing zone of the sidewalk next to the curb.

11. How can I report e-scooter issues or concerns?

For reporting issues or concerns with SPIN scooters, follow the in-app instructions or call or text 1-888-262-5189 or email support@spin.pm.

12. Can I purchase my own electric-scooter?

Yes, you can purchase and operate your own e-scooter in Asbury Park if it meets the legal requirements outlined in New Jersey state law.